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Eye Focus

Many meditations and kriyas in Kundalini Yoga specify an exact point of focus for the eyes. Directing the gaze physically impacts the optic nerve as it travels from the eyes to the center of the brain. During meditation and other activities, different eye positions cause the optic nerve to apply variable pressures to major glands and gray matter. More than just reducing external distractions, the eye-focus is a powerful meditation technique.

When no specific eye-focus is given for a meditation or kriya, the eyes should be kept closed. Keeping the eyes closed during Kundalini Yoga kriyas and meditations encourages an inner focus.

In addition to physical effects, focusing the eyes acts as a mental focus, allowing the mind to more readily reach a point of aware stillness during meditation.

Meditation Focus for the Eyes

At the Third Eye Point: Closed eyes are gently raised to the Brow Point, at the center of the forehead a little above the eyebrows. This part of the forehead corresponds to the Sixth Chakra.

Stimulates the pituitary gland and sushmuna (central nerve channel of the spine).

At the Tip of the Nose: Eyes are slightly crossed, looking along the nose to the top of its tip.

Balances the ida, pingala, and sushmuna (left, right and central nerve channels of the spine).

Stimulates the pineal gland and frontal lobe of the brain; controls the mind.

At the Tip of the Chin: Closed eyes are rolled downwards to the center of the chin. This location corresponds to the Moon Center.

Cooling and calming.

At the Top of the Head: Closed eyes roll upwards, as if looking through the very top, center of the head. This area is the Crown Chakra, the Tenth Gate.

Stimulates the pineal gland and the Crown Chakra.

1/10th Open (9/10th Closed): Eyelids are light and relaxed, leaving a small opening between them. Direction of eye focus may vary as indicated by Yogi Bhajan’s instructions.